Abstract
Recent data suggest that statins block HIV-1 replication, which may have important implications for an alternative treatment for AIDS. We tested different statins in cell culture against HIV and conducted a pilot study in HIV-positive patients receiving simvastatin. No anti-HIV activity was detected at subtoxic concentrations and simvastatin did not induce a significant change in the mean viral load or CD4 cell count in study patients. We caution on the use of statins as antiretroviral agents.
Publication types
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Clinical Trial
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Anti-HIV Agents / pharmacology*
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Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use
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CD4 Lymphocyte Count
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Cells, Cultured
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Cholesterol / blood
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HIV Infections / drug therapy*
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HIV Infections / immunology
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HIV Infections / virology
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HIV-1 / drug effects*
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HIV-1 / isolation & purification
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Humans
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Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / pharmacology*
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Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
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Leukocytes, Mononuclear / virology
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Pilot Projects
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Simvastatin / therapeutic use
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Viral Load
Substances
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Anti-HIV Agents
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Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
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Cholesterol
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Simvastatin